Shelter Diversion
Homeless and Need Housing Assistance?
Our Shelter Diversion Program helps families experiencing homelessness secure stable housing without entering a shelter. By providing financial assistance, landlord mediation, and case management, we support families in finding long-term housing solutions. Our goal is to prevent homelessness before it leads to shelter stays, keeping families housed and on the path to stability.
We Provide:
We assist families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by providing:
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temporary hotel/motel stays when no other options are available
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security deposit or first month’s rental assistance to secure stable housing
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landlord mediation and housing search support
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creative housing solutions that build on a family’s strengths
Our case management team works with families to identify sustainable solutions, helping them find and maintain safe housing.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify, families must:
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live in Ontario County
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have at least one child under 18
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be currently homeless (e.g., staying in motels, or doubled up with family or friends)
Next Steps:
You can start the process by applying for diversion or contact us with any questions.
The need for shelter diversion in Ontario County far exceeds our available funding. We do our best to help families with the funding we have available.
One mom in our program was six months pregnant when we met. Before finding Family Promise, she spent two months in a motel, sleeping with a knife under her pillow — a guard against the many threats of an unsafe environment.
Fast-forward two months and she is the guest of honor at a baby shower hosted by Family Promise and attended by a dozen people. Diapers, onesies, binkies, and the clear sense that this little family belongs.
They are part of this community and the fact that they are homeless is less important than the fact that a baby will soon be here.
The miracle of community and welcoming a new life.
